Incipio le deux (for iPhone 4/4S)

Incipio’s $30 Le Deux for the iPhone 4/4S uses a polycarbonate bumper frame with a brushed stainless steel back to provide dependable, stylish protection in a thin profile design.

By using brushed metal, Incipio has created a very sophisticated and refined look for the Le Deux. There are four brushed metal plate and polycarbonate color combinations available—gold and translucent mercury, black and translucent pink, silver and clear, or black and smoke. Included with your two-piece case purchase is Incipio’s standard vanity kit—two surface protectors, an applicator card, and cleaning cloth.

To assemble the Le Deux, place the silicone-lined rubber plate over the back of your iPhone, then fit the thin, polycarbonate plastic bumper around the frame of the iPhone until it lines up with the back plate. Lightly push the two pieces together until they snap into place, and you are ready to go.

The Le Deux leaves all of your iPhone’s ports and buttons accessible. The camera cutout in the back metal plate gives enough clearance for the camera and LED flash to work properly, so the case does not interfere with taking pictures. With such a slender profile, you can leave the Le Deux in place while using dock-cradle accessories and chargers. Additionally, the bumper provides a minimal protective edge just above the profile of the phone, so it keeps the touchscreen safe when placed facedown.

I was skeptical about the Le Deux at first, because I generally do not like bumper-type cases, as they provide me with a false sense of security. Furthermore, I’m partial to cases that have some sort of texture to help prevent your iPhone from slipping out of your hand and dropping to the ground.

However, after using the Incipio Le Deux, I discovered that the case held up great during everyday use, and when I gave up my unreasonable expectations to how it performs, I was able to enjoy using it for what it is—a case that puts style before protection.

[Rob Renk is a displaced Chicago Bears fan currently living near Orlando. When not obsessing about everything Apple, he can usually be found out on a boat monitoring Florida’s natural resources. Follow him on Twitter @Renkman]

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